Why Are My Monstera Leaves Turning Yellow?

The appearance of yellow leaves on a Monstera is a concern for many plant owners. While alarming, it is often a sign of a correctable issue within the plant’s environment or care routine. Understanding the potential causes is the first step toward diagnosing the problem and helping your plant return to health.

Common Causes for Yellowing Monstera Leaves

Improper soil moisture is the most common reason for yellowing Monstera leaves. Overwatering leads to consistently wet soil, preventing roots from accessing oxygen and causing root rot. With overwatering, the lower leaves often turn yellow first and the soil feels soggy. To prevent this, allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Underwatering also causes yellow leaves, but symptoms include limpness, dryness, or crispy brown edges. The soil will feel completely dry. Water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage hole, then discard any excess from the saucer to prevent the plant from sitting in water.

Monsteras thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, causing yellow or brown patches. To prevent this, move the plant to a location with filtered light, like behind a sheer curtain.

Insufficient light also leads to yellowing because the plant cannot photosynthesize properly, causing leaves to turn a pale yellow. The plant may also become “leggy,” with long stems stretching toward a light source. Relocating your plant to a brighter spot will encourage healthier growth.

A lack of nutrients can cause yellowing leaves, especially during the spring and summer growing season. A nitrogen deficiency often appears as the oldest, lowest leaves turning yellow while new growth remains healthy. This happens because the plant moves this mobile nutrient from old tissues to new ones.

Fertilize your Monstera every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer to address this. If other nutrients like iron or magnesium are lacking, yellowing may appear between the green leaf veins. Repotting a root-bound plant into fresh soil also resolves nutrient issues.

Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips cause yellow leaves by feeding on the plant’s sap. This damage appears as small yellow spots or stippling on the leaf surface. Inspect the undersides of leaves and where they meet the stem to find these intruders.

Since weakened plants are more susceptible to pests, addressing any underlying care issues is also important. Manage pests by wiping them off with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap. Isolate the affected plant to prevent the infestation from spreading to other houseplants while you treat it.

A yellowing leaf can also be part of the plant’s natural life cycle. As a Monstera matures, it may shed its oldest leaves to direct energy toward new growth. These leaves, found at the bottom of the plant, will slowly turn yellow, then brown, and fall off. If you only see an occasional yellow leaf at the base of a healthy plant, it is likely just aging.

What to Do With Yellow Leaves

A Monstera leaf that has turned yellow will not become green again. The plant reabsorbs mobile nutrients from the dying leaf to support new growth. While you can leave it on for a short time to complete this process, pruning the leaf is beneficial. Pruning helps the plant redirect its energy toward healthy foliage and new shoots.

Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to remove a yellow leaf. Wipe the blades with rubbing alcohol before and after cutting to prevent spreading disease. Cut the leaf stem close to the main stalk, being careful not to damage healthy parts of the plant.

Removing yellow foliage improves the plant’s appearance and increases air circulation around its base. Better airflow helps prevent fungal issues that can arise in damp, crowded conditions. Regularly clearing away dying leaves keeps your Monstera looking tidy and focuses its resources on thriving.

Preventative Monstera Care

The most effective way to prevent yellowing leaves is to establish a consistent and appropriate care routine. Pay close attention to the plant’s needs regarding water, light, and nutrients, as outlined in the causes above. Regularly check the soil moisture instead of watering on a fixed schedule.

Provide the bright, indirect light Monsteras prefer and rotate the plant to ensure even growth. During the active growing season of spring and summer, provide regular feedings with a balanced fertilizer, suspending this during fall and winter. Creating a stable environment for your plant is the best way to minimize stress and keep its foliage vibrant and green.